Meghan Markle 'wisely' avoids UK trip as Prince Harry faces 'setback' with King Charles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria is being viewed as a 'cover' for a perceived 'setback', following the King's apparent 'snub' of his son during his UK visit, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.

Harry touched down in the UK this week to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Despite rumours that he might meet with his father to mend their strained relationship, it has been revealed that no such meeting will take place due to the King's packed schedule.

Fitzwilliams told The Mirror that this could be seen as a 'snub', but suggested that Harry and Meghan have already devised a plan to 'cover' for this 'setback'.

The royal expert said: "Meghan has wisely decided that a hostile press and public would prefer her to stay away from the Service at St Paul's to commemorate a decade of Invictus. Their visit to Nigeria is a cover for what is a setback."

While the former Suits actress won't be joining Harry in the UK, she will accompany him on their upcoming trip to Nigeria.

They are expected to meet with service members and engage in various cultural activities during their visit.

Fitzwilliams also noted that while Harry and Meghan may have a strategy for redemption, it doesn't lessen the impact of King Charles' 'snub'.

He said: "This will be seen as a snub. There is little doubt that this was not arranged as it should have been as King Charles has always made it clear that his door is open to Harry."

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The last time Harry and Charles have seen each other was when the monarch was diagnosed with cancer and the Duke of Sussex quickly flew out to see him.

Fitzwilliams explained: "Their meeting after the King's diagnosis was extremely brief and we do not know how well it went."

Despite Charles' condition, Fitzwilliams claims he understands the impact of this decision will be significant.

He explained: "The King has engagements and duties he needs to perform and has to balance these with treatment for cancer that must be deeply debilitating.

"The fact that they will not be meeting will, as all things affecting the Royal Family will, be worldwide news. If the royal rift is ever to be healed it will be when matters are less public and can be considered privately and less stressfully."

As for Harry's elder brother, Prince William, Fitzwilliams knew the chance of them meeting was even slimmer.

He claimed: "There was never a chance of him seeing William, who does not trust him, and with good reason."

While there are plenty of obstacles, Fitzwilliams does believe there is a path to redemption for Harry and Meghan.

He commented: "If they were to mention the Commonwealth, of which it is a member, in a favourable light in a speech, this would be positive.

"They trashed the institution, Queen Elizabeth's most important legacy, in their documentary Harry and Meghan.

"This was not well received as, when they were senior working royals, they were Commonwealth patronages by the late Queen."

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